Wilkes-Barre - The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-assigned defenseman Drew Fata from the Wheeling Nailers to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, it was announced today by General Manager Craig Patrick.

Fata, 22, has 18 points (10+8 ) and a team-high 145 penalty minutes in 34 games with Wheeling this season. His 121 shots on goal are second on the team.

The Pittsburgh Penguins third round choice (86th overall) in the 2001 Entry Draft has also appeared in one game with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this season, recording one assist, 14 penalty minutes and a plus-1 rating.

Fata has appeared in 56 total games with the Penguins since the 2003-04 campaign, totaling six points (2+4) and 128 penalty minutes with the AHL club. He is expected to join the team in time for Friday night's home contest against the Hershey Bears.